Looking for insights on getting Scuba Certified in Utila

You should post this on the Diving TT.

You can buy the PADI Course book in advance and do most the lessons and chapter test, prior to the actual in water portion as well.

You also should not fly within 24hrs of diving at depths over 30FT.

A few drinks the night prior is no big deal.

I would try to take in some of Honduras while your going all the way there, if not, why travel 2000 miles and $600 to rush in/out for a $300 dive course. Florida or your local PADI course would be far cheaper.

Thanks for the info. I didn't know there was a diving subforum. If this would be better there, and someone is able, go ahead and move it.

While I would like to see more of Honduras, given my time restraints, I don't see any way that is possible. Fortunately, I'm not blowing an expensive plane ticket just to get down there for a few days, since I'm in the fortunate position of being able to fly on US airlines for free. If I enjoy the area I can always head back some other time. I'm planning on spending about $300 for the dive class, maybe $100-$200 in local transportation (not entirely sure how much a bus from SAP to La Ceiba, and a round trip ferry from there will cost), and maybe $200 for food/drinks/other entertainment/misc costs. So $500-$700 for a fun week seems reasonable, and I have a hard time thinking I could do it cheaper in Florida when you consider lodging/food/etc.

I figure I will finish the course, then head back to La Ceiba to spend the night, before getting a bus back up to SAP to fly home around noon. Because staying in a hotel in SAP seems significantly more expensive, and somewhat less safe. That should give me 20-24hrs before flying.

Is doing some of the diving homework something I will have to arrange prior with a dive company? If it saves me time it might be a good investment, although the books are free ( I think ) through the UDC certification, and will likely be $30+ in the states.

Hmmm...a few comments. I've never been to Utila, but have been to Roatan a couple of times. Cannot give any advice on the PADI certification as I am not certified and don't know much about diving.

First of all...backpacker lifestyle is plentiful on Roatan, but you are correct about the general stereotype, as Roatan has more of a resort presence than Utilla. However, you might consider just flying into Roatan which has international flights. Often it is more expensive to fly there, but if you found a deal within your budget, you'd save yourself a LOT of time and hassle on a short trip. Very reasonable scuba courses can be found on Roatan as well, as well as reasonable lodging options.

Second...US carrier? I'd encourage you to consider TACA and Copa if they have better prices or schedules - or is it that whatever flight arrangement you have limits you to US carriers? They're reputable and I've had good experiences on both...not to mention nicer planes, and better on time performance than any US carrier that flies into SAP (per subjective experience).

Bus from San Pedro to La Ceiba - Hedman Alas actually has limited service from the airport to La Ceiba with a stop at the Bus terminal. I'm not sure of the schedule. Viana and Hedman Alas both offer non-stop first class service from the SAP bus station to La Ceiba. Hedman Alas is 323 Lempira ($17) and Viana is 270 Lempira ($14). Multiple local buses offer various levels of multi stop service from the bus terminal to La Ceiba for cheaper (but much more modest buses). The bus ride from SAP to La Ceiba is 2.5 to 3 hours. Hedman Alas and Viana are both very reliable and punctual. You would not need an advanced reservation. Other buses, I cannot say, but I would assume less reliable and punctual.

The Ferry - Roatan ferry costs 1024 Lempira round trip ($54); I would assume Utila is similar.

You'll be extremely lucky to make the 4pm ferry if you arrive in SAP at noon - everything would have to line up perfectly. You could consider flying from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba and then catching the ferry. Alternatively, as above, you could find a flight from San Pedro to Roatan same day which would increase your time on island for the PADI course.

Hi! If I was you I'd head to Roatán. I love Utila, too, but having to bus to and stay in La Ceiba and then ferry across is going to eat up a day each way. If your flights are free, fly right into Roatán and you can be checking out dive shops within half an hour instead of waiting till nearly noon the next day. In addition to giving you more time to dive, it would also greatly simplify this trip for you, important since this is your 1st solo trip.

Dive prices should be about the same on Roatán. Lodging and food might be a bit more but well within your budget and there's a good backpacker scene there, too, though that's not all that's there. For your surface time there's more to do, too, like great hiking in the Carambola Reserve 10 minutes from West End, easier to access snorkeling from shore, and gorgeous West Bay beach.

That said, I find Hedman Alas buses to be safe and comfortable. Not sure on the price - was $10 one way a few years ago. You should be fine just showing up. There's a small office at the airport on the left as you exit, across from where the taxis queue up. You'll have to shuttle or taxi to the terminal (about $10, I think).

You could probably find a dive center that will start an afternoon class but still what you're saying is way too packed in imo. Getting the book in advance would really help - there's quite a lot of reading and testing involved, not just instruction and diving.

I do not recommend Utila Dive Centre. In addition to being the most packed place on the island I experienced and witnessed some really hard to believe safety violations there. The next visit I dove with Altons and had a great experience; that's where I'll head when we return to Utila.

Most dorms have some kind of lockers; I wouldn't stay in a place without some way to keep your stuff safe - ask 1st.

It's not recommended to drink the night before diving but many people do. Please do it with moderation and don't risk diving if you feel lousy for any reason.

Most folks poopoo travelers checks but lots of dive shops will take them and they're a safe and easy way to pay. Some shops allow you to charge the cost but there's often an extra fee tacked on. Take US $ in small bills and then use an ATM card to obtain local currency. Keep in mind that the machines sometimes empty out on week-ends.

Check out the photos and travelogues below if you're interested. Have a great trip and be sure to tell us all about it.

Edited by hopefulist to fix the missing link.

Hey guys thanks for all the great info.

Doing some research now on what my options are to fly to RTB instead of trying to trek to Utila. I may be able to fly from IAH-SAP then on a Taca Regional from SAP-RTB for a fairly reasonable amount. If so, that allows me to get in much earlier and saves a day of travel. Plus on the 24th, when I plan to leave, Continental operates a direct flight to IAH to make things easy.

I'll have to do some investigating and see if I'm able to get a decent fare on Taca's regional (Islena), which operates the flight, and if so I'll start searching these forums for info on Roatan.

check out paradise dive centre in utila. i think its the cheapest or one of the cheapest on the island.
http://www.todomundo.com/paradisedivers/about.html
it may seem a little 'frayed around the edges' but its a pretty cool place. nice and relaxed and i found it a lot less crazy party place than the others. they normally throw in free accomodation with the course, i guess this is pretty standard though

You can fly to Utila from La Ceiba and San Pedro, although only on 3 days a week. Check out
http://www.aboututila.com/TouristInfo/GettingHere.htm and look for the links to Frank Morgans Travel or World Wide Travel. Both Utila travel agencies who have been getting people on and off the island by air for many years. They both speak English.

Roatan is considerably more expensive than Utila for your incidentals, food, accommodation and drinks. Expect to pay double the price for a drink in a bar, also expect restaurant prices to be double to triple or more in some cases. Dive course prices are comparable but come with less. On Utila expect to get up to 4 nights accommodation, 2 free dives following the course, use of kayak and snorkeling gear, price all inclusive. You can get some amazing deals really.